The ski destination – near and far – you will find us this winter…
Mzaar, Lebanon
An hour outside of Beirut you’ll find Mzaar, Lebanon’s most popular – and most scenic – ski resort. Here the mountain peaks are covered with an impressive blanket of snow from December to early April and provide the perfect backdrop for around 80 kilometers of slopes. Whether you get your thrills skiing or snowboarding, this ski area is full of mostly easy runs that you can tackle while soaking up the surroundings, with some more moderate runs and a small selection of difficult runs for experienced winter sports fans.
Stay: Located right on the slopes, the five-star InterContinental Mzaar Hotel offers ski-in ski-out convenience, putting guests right in the heart of the action. Combine that with a world-class spa, indoor pool, four-lane bowling alley, and even a private movie theater, and you have a spectacular snowy escape.
Doubles from Dhs423, icmzaar.com
Arrive: Fly from Dubai to Beirut with flydubai from Dhs 1,700 return. flydubai.com
Gudauri, Georgia
While Georgia might not be the first country that springs to mind for your winter ski vacation, this Eastern European destination is becoming increasingly popular with residents of the United Arab Emirates, thanks to its affordable accommodation and proximity to the Emirates, who want to hike the snow-capped peaks want to do in their playground. The country’s best ski resort is Gudauri in the Greater Caucasus, thanks to its high altitude and impressive snow depth of 2.5 meters. But there’s also plenty to enjoy outside of skiing, with exciting experiences such as snow tubing, heli-skiing and freeriding all available on the slopes. Then there’s the burgeoning food and wine scene to experience, with a growing influx of hotels, restaurants and bars complementing the area.
Stay: In the heart of this winter wonderland, Gudauri Lodge offers a cozy mountain stay but with a lively vibe. After a day of thrills on the slopes, retreat to the pampering comfort of the spa with an afternoon soaking in the bubbling hot tub, or head straight to the terrace to enjoy warming comfort meals against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Double room from Dhs884, gudaurilodge.ge
Arrive: Fly from Dubai to Tbilisi with flydubai from Dhs1,375 return. flydubai.com
Amirsoy, Uzbekistan
Amirsoy might be the next best ski resort you’ve never heard of. While not the biggest offering at 15km of pistes, this ski resort in the Tashkent region is a modern, underrated destination for snow fun. Gondola, chair and belt lifts transport those who spend their days sliding down the mountainsides on skis and snowboards. The area is still under development, but you can check into one of the 38 alpine-inspired chalets, relax in a Zen-inspiring spa complex, and dine at two restaurants. So you have everything you need for a short ski holiday.
Stay: Boasting a cozy Alpine-inspired aesthetic, the wooden accommodations at Le Chalet by Amirsoy are designed for group getaways, with chalets for four, six and eight on the mountainside. Each features a television, minibar and flickering indoor fireplace, while the private patio is the ideal place to gather and admire the views of the snow-capped peaks that surround you.
Chalets from Dhs890, amirsoy.com
Arrive: Fly from Sharjah to Tashkent with Air Arabia from Dhs2.210 return. airarabia.com
Megeve, France
What Megève lacks in altitude it makes up for in fabulous scenery and incredible cuisine. Skip the star-studded French ski resorts for this picturesque resort on the southeast border, which has managed to retain its old-world charm despite its rising popularity. It’s a winter wonderland with 450km of pistes spread across four mountain ranges so there are runs for all abilities and with relatively low altitude much of the skiing takes place on beautiful tree lined slopes with spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Off the slopes, party-goers can look forward to regular events at La Folie Douce, and around 60 restaurants await foodies, from Michelin-starred meals to celebratory dinner parties at popular eateries like Verde and Le Piaf.
Stay: A magical getaway in the Alps doesn’t get much more exciting for snow lovers than at the Four Seasons Hotel Megève. With ski-in and ski-out access debuting in 2021, it couldn’t be easier for winter sports fans to make the most of the snow-capped peaks on their doorstep. But Four Seasons guests even benefit from a one-of-a-kind ski concierge to take care of all their ski-related needs. After a day on the slopes, take a dip in the indoor pool with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, taste your way through the 15,000 vintages in the wine cellar, or simply snuggle up with a hot chocolate.
Doubles from Dhs6,618, fourseasons.com
Arrive: Fly Emirates from Dubai to Geneva from Dhs 3,015 return. emirates.com
Crans Montana, Switzerland
Long considered one of the five star skiing capitals, the twin towns of Crans and Montana have been the resort of choice for celebrities such as John Travolta and Robert De Niro. The ski area is divided into four areas: Family Area, Fun Area, Glacier Area and Nature Area, at the highest point of the Plaine Morte Glacier at 3,000 meters. Away from skiing there are many other experiences to try, such as dog sledding with huskies and hiking on the stunning glaciers. With 20 restaurants and a legendary après-ski scene at Cry d’Er Club d’Altitude, there’s also a vibrant social scene to explore.
Stay: A glittering new addition to the Crans-Montana hotel scene is Six Senses Crans-Montana, debuting this December. Staying true to the brand’s roots, retreat to the Six Senses Spa for tired legs, where facilities range from a rooftop hot tub to bio-hacking programs. Dine at Wild Cabin, an all-day ski-in-ski-out brasserie on the open-air terrace, or take a break from winter wonderland at Byakko, an ode to modern Japanese cuisine.
Doubles from Dhs5.249, sixsenses.com
Arrive: Fly Emirates from Dubai to Geneva from Dhs 3,015 return. emirates.com
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
A goal that looks like it was plucked straight from a movie set brings Cortina dAmpezzo La DolceVita to the Dolomites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a 120km ski area with 86 slopes. The majestic peaks of this stylish ski resort attract crowds from late November to mid-April. There are three unmissable ski areas: Faloria-Cristallo, Tofane and Lagazuoi-Cinque Torri-Giau, each with its own personality. Whether you’re new to the sport or want to try your hand at the Women’s World Cup slopes, I’ll find runs to put you through your paces. After a day in the snow, head straight to the legendary Corso Italia, with its brilliant shopping, excellent wine bars and endless choice of restaurants.
Stay: A luxurious Nordic retreat in the heart of the Dolomites, Faloria Mountain Spa Resort blends Italian hospitality with local traditions. Guest rooms are comfortable and contemporary, there’s a romantic restaurant serving regional Italian cuisine, and when you’re not out skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, or snow-trekking, there’s an aperipool for sipping cocktail-in-hand in the area.
Duplicates from Dhs1.102, faloriasparesort.com
Arrive: Fly Emirates from Dubai to Venice from Dh3,115. emirates.com
Images: Supplied and Getty